Kempton park: Deputy President Paul Mashatile, serving as Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent spate of killings targeting women in and around the Kempton Park area of Gauteng. As the nation grapples with these events, Mashatile extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, aligning himself with President Cyril Ramaphosa and citizens across South Africa in mourning the tragic losses.

According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile emphasized his solidarity with the impacted women and residents of Kempton Park, as well as the broader community. He called upon law enforcement agencies to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and local communities to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice. Mashatile underscored the necessity for creating safe environments for women and children and urged men to actively denounce gender-based violence (GBV) and take an active role in protecting women.

Recent developments have brought heightened urgency to Mashatile's plea, as police recently discovered the bodies of four women in the same locale over a span of approximately two months. Additional alarming findings include the discovery of two more bodies in separate locations within Ekurhuleni on September 14 and 15, 2026, bringing the total to eight victims. The Deputy President's call to action reflects the growing concern over GBV and the pressing need for communal and systemic intervention.